According to the United States Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), each farm in Pennsylvania has an average of over $87,700 worth of equipment. Many farms have far more invested as a large grain operation may own one combine that is worth more than the average per farm in Pennsylvania.

Penn State Extension's Small-scale and Part-time Farm Project produces a series of programs titled Agricultural Alternatives. The series contains a publication titled Agricultural Alternatives: Managing Machinery and Equipment. The publication contains calculators and tips for equipment maintenance and safe operation.

An excellent source of information when considering the purchase of a tractor is the Nebraska Tractor Tests web site. The University of Nebraska Tractor Test Laboratory is the officially designated tractor testing station for the United States and tests tractors according to the codes of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. You will see research results for horsepower ratings and fuel consumption.

Tractor and Equipment Companies

The following is a listing of tractor and equipment companies. You may use these sites to compare brands to decide which will better serve your operation.

A listing of custom rates for Pennsylvania compiled by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) for various tasks over several years. For small farms, it may be more economical to engage a custom operator instead of owning all of your needed equipment. The Custom Rates for Pennsylvania site will provide a negotiating starting point with a custom operator.